ET deals: Dell OptiPlex 3040 Micro quad-core desktop PC for $529

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Looking for a powerful tiny PC on the cheap? Check out the Optiplex 3040 Micro desktop PC from Dell. For a limited time, this quad-core machine is being discounted by a total of 35% off the sticker price.

On the inside, the Optiplex 3040 sports a sixth generation quad-core 2.5GHz Intel Core i5-6500T CPU, integrated Intel HD Graphics 530, 4GB of DDR3 RAM (1600MHz), a 128GB solid-state drive, Bluetooth, and 802.11b/g/n/ac WiFi support. A wired keyboard and mouse combo are packed along for free, so all you’ll need is an HDTV or monitor to hit the ground running. And since it sports a DisplayPort and an HDMI port, getting it hooked up to your display of choice shouldn’t be a problem.

If you’re looking to add functionality down the road, you’ll have a few options. With four USB 3.0 ports and two USB 2.0 ports, you’ll be able to add plenty of additional storage, optical drives, and various peripherals with ease.

Windows 7 Professional (64-bit) comes installed by default, so you’ll be set if you have legacy computing needs. And since a license for Windows 10 Pro (64-bit) is included for free, you’ll be able to get all of the benefits from Redmond’s latest operating system at no additional cost.

Normally, this setup goes for $812.86, but Dell is selling it directly now for just $569. Use coupon code “SAVE35” at checkout, and you’ll save an additional $40.64. And since shipping is free, you’re only left paying $528.36 for this awesome little PC (plus any applicable taxes).

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So when are they going to offer a small form pc designed for maximum cooling, quiet, and a very high end graphics card? 99% of new computers have the same components in them differing only in brand and capacity.

Daniel Glass

This is a business PC, not a gaming rig.

golieth

Thanks for stating the obvious. Businesses that use high end video cards are video and photo processing, Real time statistical displays, audio editing and compositing, and architectural 3d modelling. I’m sure there are many more uses besides gaming.

Daniel Glass

And for those what you really need are the big, powerful workstations with room for expansion and plenty of space for air exchange, along with components rated for heavy workloads. Mini/micro boxes like this are for more standard workloads.

Alisa Culp

So Daniel, what would you say to be better for a heavy workload?

Daniel Glass

The 9020/7040 series OptiPlex models would be the next step up, but the Precision line is where you’d go for a rig for 3D modeling, CAD, rendering, heavy-duty video editing, and so on.

Alisa Culp

Thank you. I’ve been researching the best workstation for the best 3D modeling and rendering performance. Most of what I find is that a gaming PC will have the best graphics card and be powerful enough to do what I need. Maybe too powerful. Anyway, thank you.

Daniel Glass

Something to keep in mind is that gaming GPUs aren’t necessarily built to handle the long-term strain that rendering produces compared to pro models.

Alisa Culp

Oh, good to know. I’m new to this and I’ve been researching graphics cards and rendering performance optimization for the past few months. I will keep this in mind before I purchase anything.

Alisa Culp

Would a graphics card for gaming be good for the long-term? The AMD Radeon R7 350X GPU has mixed reviews but is more affordable compared to the NVidia GeForce GTX780. The NVidia seems to set the bar for performance and so understandably has the higher price tag.

Daniel Glass

It depends what kind of rendering workload you plan to put on them. Rendering can be especially punishing as it basically maxes the card out for a long runtime, which can prematurely burn out gaming cards and cost you more in the long run. You can get a Dell Precision 3000 or 5000, HP Z240, or similarly specced Lenovo P310 with a pro card for around $1200.

Alisa Culp

Mainly architectural rendering. Sometimes the program will render for 12-24 hours or more depending on the image quality I need to achieve. I have a Dell Optiplex 5040 with the AMD Radeon priced out at about 1200. The Dell Precision 3000 comes with the NVidia already.

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